Side Container Locking Mechanism for Deforming Under-Frame

Solution Overview

Problem

40 foot full open side shipping containers lack sufficient structural support and locking mechanism, causing the under-frame to deform and preventing secure locking during full load conditions.

Innovation Solution

A 40 foot full open side container design featuring an oblong under-frame, upper-frame, corner posts, and side panels with hinges, turnable locking bars, latch hooks, cam keepers, and a lock catch system that allows for secure locking even with elastic deformation of the under-frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a full open side structure is used to allow easy loading and unloading, then loading and unloading convenience is improved, but the under-frame loses supporting strength and elastic deforms downward under full load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading convenienceVSAvoidunder-frame supporting strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bar is designed to be turnable/movable, allowing it to adapt to the elastic deformation of the under-frame. The locking bar can rotate between locked and unlocked positions, and its position adjusts automatically when the under-frame deforms under load, maintaining effective locking despite the dynamic changes in frame geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism uses a cam keeper that changes its effective position relative to the latch hook based on the under-frame's deformation state. When the under-frame deforms downward under full load, the cam keeper's geometry allows the locking bar to remain engaged through the cam action, effectively adapting to parameter changes in the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Weight of moving object

If the under-frame is designed to be lightweight for easy handling, then handling ease is improved, but the under-frame elastic deforms downward under full load condition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunder-frame weightVSAvoidunder-frame deformation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bar is designed to be turnable/movable, allowing it to adapt to the elastic deformation of the under-frame. The locking bar can rotate between locked and unlocked positions, and its position adjusts automatically when the under-frame deforms under load, maintaining effective locking despite the dynamic changes in frame geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cam keeper structure is pre-designed to compensate for expected elastic deformation under full load. The cam geometry is configured in advance to maintain locking engagement even when the under-frame sags under maximum anticipated weight, effectively cushioning against the destabilizing effect of elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a simple locking mechanism is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but the locking mechanism cannot maintain secure locking when the under-frame deforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism complexityVSAvoidlocking reliability under deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bar is designed to be turnable/movable, allowing it to adapt to the elastic deformation of the under-frame. The locking bar can rotate between locked and unlocked positions, and its position adjusts automatically when the under-frame deforms under load, maintaining effective locking despite the dynamic changes in frame geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism uses a cam keeper that changes its effective position relative to the latch hook based on the under-frame's deformation state. When the under-frame deforms downward under full load, the cam keeper's geometry allows the locking bar to remain engaged through the cam action, effectively adapting to parameter changes in the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9056709B2Side container

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 CONTAINER PROVIDERS INTL APS

AI summary

The side container includes one oblong under-frame; one oblong upper-frame; corner posts be installed on the four corners between under-frame and upper-frame; top surface panel, front end panel, back end panel and two side panels installed on the corner posts. The side panel has two side doors. At least one turnable locking bar should be installed on the upper area of the side door, and a latch hook should be installed on the bottom area of each locking bar. Cam keepers will be fixed on the under-frame. There is a cant hook installed between two permanent seats. When the under-frame is in a horizontal position, the cant hook is located above the latch hook. The side container can be fully open on an oblong side, while the side doors and the under-frame can still be securely locked, when the under-frame deforms downward during a full load condition.